The last two weeks have been hugely disappointing. Three games, three narrow defeats and exits from the two remaining cup competitions.

Add to that another goalkeeper injured necessitating a second emergency loan.

That has brought the total number of net minders we’ve used this season to six which I would hazard to guess is unprecedented for Argyle in the modern era.

I felt for Remi Matthews at Portsmouth. He has played so well for us since he’s been on loan from Norwich but his mistake at Fratton Park cost us a point and he suffered a painful injury when he bravely dived at the feet of Kai Naismith to deny the Pompey striker a second goal.

Unfortunately the injury is going to keep him out of action for several weeks and he has been recalled to his parent club.

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We’re grateful to Norwich for allowing Remi to join us on loan and we really appreciate the excellent performances he has produced whilst he was with us.

Our trip to my previous club Yeovil Town in the Checkatrade Trophy produced a really promising first half.

It was great to welcome back Ryan Taylor and Oscar Threlkeld to the starting line up and Will Mannion came in on a seven-day loan from Hull to take up the goalkeeping responsibilities.

Having controlled that first period and taken a one goal lead it seemed inevitable we would qualify for the next stage of the competition, but Yeovil significantly upped their game in the second half and we were unable to do the same.

With the hosts equalising on the hour mark it looked as though it was going to take penalties to see us through until substitute and AFC Bournemouth loanee Sam Surridge scored a late winner.

There was disappointment for Oscar Threlkeld on his return from injury as Argyle lost 2-1 away to Yeovil in the Checkatrade Trophy (Image: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

Having suffered two narrow away defeats we faced our third away game on the bounce at Bradford City last weekend.

At 660 miles this is the longest trip we have to make in the League this season and the FA Cup draw was kind enough to send us to Valley Parade for the second time in three weeks!

I watched the game from the stand allocated to the Green Army and the support for the team was magnificent throughout the game.

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The players produced a really positive first half performance and created a number of good chances that unfortunately went begging and we found ourselves a goal down at the break following a terrific header from the Bantams captain Romain Vincelot.

We didn’t deserve to be behind at that stage but just five minutes into the second half we were really put on the back foot with one of the most bizarre goals I’ve seen for some time.

Vincelot’s volley was heading well wide of the Argyle goal when it hit his teammate, Nat Knight-Percival, on the side of the head and cannoned into the net. It kind of epitomised our luck so far this season.

Undeterred, by this setback the lads continued to push forward and Graham Carey deservedly pulled a goal back.

Confidence that we could bring City back to Home Park was briefly restored. But within a minute we’d conceded a third.

Having made a terrific double save in the first half, Luke McCormick, made an uncharacteristic error in collecting a low cross that squirmed under his body and Charlie Wyke had the simplest of tap ins.

I think we knew at that stage it wasn’t going to be our day but the fans continued to get behind the team until the final whistle which was great.

Argyle's Luke McCormick shows his frustration after his mistake led to Bradford taking a 3-1 lead (Image: Dave Rowntree/PPAUK)

We now look ahead to Saturday and the important league fixture against Gillingham.

It’s our DJM Takeover fixture this season and we’re expecting a big crowd and a great atmosphere with around 2,500 young players attending with their teams.

Please allow more time to arrive at the stadium in order to avoid extensive queues close to kick off.

Despite the recent defeats I know the players are in good heart and they’re determined to produce a winning performance this weekend.

Next Thursday, December, 14 Argyle’s U18’s play Manchester City in the third round of the FA Youth Cup. Kick-off is 7pm.

Please come along and support our apprentices as they take on some of the finest young players in the country.

Tickets are now on sale at the Ticket Office and they will also be available on the turnstiles on the night.